Virginia Merle Tamplin, 91, of Gainesville passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at her residence with her family by her side. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 1st, 2022, at the Central Baptist Church in Gainesville with burial to follow at the Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be held an hour before service time on Tuesday.
Merle was born to Ed and Claudell Crockett on January 13, 1931. She married Ross Wilson Tamplin in May of 1947. She is a charter member of Central Baptist Church since 1953. She and Dad helped build this church from the ground up and have been faithful to it for all these years.
She worked at Linda Jo Shoe Factory for several years and then to Gainesville Memorial Hospital for 28 years as a dietician cook. She stayed there until her retirement several years ago.
She is survived by her husband Ross of 74 years and 9 months; daughters Brenda Gann and husband Wayne and Cathy Leonard. Grandchildren Heather Mercer and husband Mike, Kevin Gann and wife Melissa, Jeremy Leonard; Great grandchildren Emily, Kaitlyn and Luke Mercer, and Ryder Gann. Brother and sister-in-law Claude and Pat Tamplin. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son in law Bill Leonard and baby Leonard that was still born.
She loved her church and being with family. She enjoyed making clothes for her two daughters when they were younger. She kept several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren while the parents could work. She helped Ross in the garden and canned a lot of their homegrown items for her family to enjoy.
I lieu of flowers we are requesting any donations to be made to Cooke County Home Hospice 316 S. Chestnut. Gainesville, TX 76240. These ladies and gentlemen are the best care givers the family has ever come in contact with.
I love Ross and Merle so much. Sandra and I were married in their home in 1963 on N. Morris St. in Gainesville. I helped Ross work on cars in his garage. Sharon and I send all our love to Ross, Brenda and Wayne and Cathy. So many great times we had together. We miss you all and are sorry that we can’t be there for you!
Cathy
So sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. My thoughts, prayers, and love for you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about your wonderful mom’s passing. She was a great lady and City employees will fondly look back on enjoying “all of the sides and fixings” she made for Christmas every year.